Christmas weekend

The dogs got a bunch of nice toys from my mom and dad and from My sister.  We left them home this year - even though it was Dozer's first Christmas, I didn't want him hurting anyone cause he is still a spaz.  We did take him over Sunday night so we could meet my cousins and my uncle lee - they all have had or do have boxers.  They all loved him. We took him home before dinner was ready so Bryan and I could relax and eat.  He did ok but you could tell he was never going to relax.  Bryan gets a little over stressed about the dogs, I try to tell him they will be fine.  But there were a lot of people there so I was a little uneasy about l.letting him roam the house.

Day 111 - 12-22-2010 Wed

By the time we got home it was done raining.  It had not rained at my work that much, but Bryan's work looked like they got a bunch.  It didn't really rain again till the middle of the night.  Dozer wanted to go out aat like 4:30am and it was pouring down rain - had to dry him off.  Now I can not get back to sleep.  This weekend it going to be a bit stressful but fun.  Get to see some family we have not seen in a long time, that will be nice.

Day 110 - 12-21-2010 Tuesday

Dozer is loving his marshmallows - little does he know they all have a Benadryl pill stuck in them.  His  skin looks much better - he no longer has scratches above each eye.  He still has lost some fur from around his eyes that needs to grow back.  Tomorrow and Thursday we have a chance of rain again.  I hope it is nice for Saturday - I am not going to bring the dogs to my parents this year for Christmas. First reason is that it is stressful on Bryan and I cause I have to watch them to make sure they don't get into stuff (Dozer is still a curious baby) and second is that My parents have my Great Grandmother there and thats all I need is to have Dozer push her over, the third thing is that my sister is bring over her cat.  Well in true doggy fashion, Portia hates cats. Dozer has never been around them so I have no idea what will happen if they meet.

weekend update - Days 107-109

Friday - We are going over to Colts after work today - we try to go over to his house every other weekend cause he had his daughter over there and she loves to see us.  We aunt and Uncle to her - as we are to most of our friends kids.  I love being an aunt to the kids.  She was being very cute - a little cranky during dinner but she was super tired. We were there till almost 2:20am.

Saturday: We are going to a friends for a BBQ

Sunday - we got home after 5am - yes I said 5am - the friend we hung out with we have not seen since our wedding 7 years ago - we spent most of the day sleeping - we did watch two movies.  Tosh.0 Movie and Shrek's newest movie.

Dozer got a new toy this weekend - it has 9 squeakers in it - and he is having a blast with it.

day 106 - 12-17-2010 Thursday

Not much has been going on here - we had rain today and it was kinda cold.  We lost power at 3am early Friday morning - it did not come back on till we were already on our way to work.  I hope it is not too cool in the house for the dogs today.  it only got down to 65 in the house before we left.

Day 105 12-14-2010 Tuesday

The adorable, free holiday e-card you create starring your own family - pets and all. Fun to make and even more fun to share. Create yours today.

Day 104 12-13-2010 Monday - 6 months old!

Today Dozer is 6 months old!  He is about 36lbs and growing up to be such a good boy.  Still a bit of a spaz - but he is getting there.  I cannot wait for racing to start again so we can take him back to the race track, he loves it there.  If the weather holds out we might go to Bowie for New years - we shall see.  We have done that before and froze - so I am not going to go unless it stays nice like it has been.  My parents will get Gizmo and Portia and we will take Dozer with us.  First we have to work on the little bit of car sickness he had the morning we went to the Vet.

weekend update

Sunday was Portia's birthday - We hung out at the house all day cause I had a bad migraine.  Dozer got his last pain pill Sunday night - so now it is just 3 allergy pills a day he will get.  He loves his marshmallows.  I swear I don't even have to remember what time he needs them - he will let me know by sitting like a good boy by the kitchen and wait for me.  I am all out of sliced cheese now - I will get some this weekend, and another bag of $.99 marshmallows.

Day 100 - 12-9-2010 Thursday

Day 99 - 12-8-2010 Wednesday

Day 98 - 12-7-2010 Tuesday

The vet called me back today- they want me to give Dozer 25mg of Benadryl 3 times a day for a few weeks to see if that helps with his allergies.  The poor guy is scratching his face and tummy really bad.  I have spray but that only helps so much.  He is still on his pain killers till Sunday - so I am only giving him 2 Benadryl a day for now till he is all done with the pain killers- I don't want to give them to him together.  The pain killers make him sleepy and so does the Benadryl (well to a point)  He is not like Portia, I can not give her Benadryl - it is like giving her crack....she can not settle and goes nuts.  Luckily she doesn't have allergies like Gizmo and Dozer do.  I am going to a neighbors house on Saturday to play Bunco - a dice game that seems to be a lot of fun.  Bryan can go too, but he doesn't get to play, he can hang out with her hubby and drink some beer.  They are going to make a replacement panel for the skirting around our house, Bryan had to remove some of it to fix a water leak, and now a neighbor's cat can get under our house, that is not a good thing.  I don't want anything to happen to the cat and he gets stuck under there.   Well it is late but I wanted to wathc the news - 78 on Saturday, 80 on Sunday and 81 on Monday!  Only in Southern AZ will it be in the 80's two weeks from Christmas!

Day 97 12-6-2010 Monday 23 weeks old

Dozer is healing just fine from his surgery, little guy has not missed a step.  It was almost imposable to keep him still though.  They told me to restrict his movement for the week - HA!  Not gonna happen - he just does what he is gonna do.  I figured that if it hurt him he would stop doing it.  I can not wait till he goes back to sleeping through the night - getting up a few times during the night kills me.  It is not just him, Gizmo does it every now and then.  It has been so warm here the past week, and it doesn't look like it is gonna really let up anytime soon.  Mid to upper 70's into next week.  It is fine with me - I would rather have the 70's then be freezing.  Took Dozer for our walk - He is such a good boy, he sits when we come back in the house so I can take off the harness without me even having to ask him anymore.

Day 96 11-5-2010 Sunday

Day 94 - 12-3-2010 Friday

Sleepy baby after pain killers kicked in.

Had a nice day at home with my Dozer dog, man you can not keep a good dog down.  He hasn't really missed a beat.  They told me to keep him calm and limit his activity - now how the heck am I to do that?  Have you ever tried to keep a 5 month old Boxer pup still....it is not as easy as it sounds.  It doesn't seem to be bothering him, he has not been licking at it and there is not any swelling.  I just hope it heals with out any issues and by Monday life can go back to normal and he can go in his kennel.  My co-worker Rick is off next week so we will be short handed.  I just hope it is a nice week.  I have been so tired lately, today I am going to take some time to rest and try to get back to my normal self.  staying up till 11:33pm is not helping I am sure, but it is the weekend.  I do have to get up in the morning an go with my mom to get our nails done and do some shopping.  It is our every other weekend hang out time.  Her birthday is on Monday - I don't have anything planned - time kinda got away from me this year.  My grandmother wants to take her out on Sunday - we shall see how I feel by then.  My head has hurt a lot today - it has not gotten any worse, but it also has not gotten any better either.  I wish the Dr's would figure something out that didn't have side effects that were worse then what they were trying to fix.  well I am off to bed - I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - I will be back at my normal time come Monday morning.  Orrrr, I might just feel like typing later this weekend and do my updates before Monday.  We shall see.  From Dozer, Portia, Gizmo, Bryan and I - Good night!

DOZER IS ALL DONE

Dr John said he did just fine. The blood work looked good and his eyes look OK. But if he shows signs of his vision getting worse then we need to see a specialist. I can get him anytime after 2pm. I get off work at 4pm so it will be around then.

Surgery Day - 12-2-2010

Not much happened yesterday - So I will just update today as it happens.
Surgery Day:
  We just dropped Dozer off at Dr John's - he got a little car sick on the way.  We were trying to get him used to riding byhim self and not in my lap - that didn't happen.  We Didn't even get to the free way before he got sick.  So Bryan cleaned it up and he rode in my lap the rest of the way.  He walked right into the Vet's office like he owned the place.  All the front desk girls were ll over him - "what a cute face!"  He didn't even look back as they walked him out of the room.  Now my nerves are shot till I get the call that everything went well.

Day 91 11-30-2010 Tuesday

OMG - I am so cold!  We plugged in the truck last night to make sure it starts in the morning and so we have heat.  It is a diesel so it takes a long time to warm up and it if is below freezing you need to plug them in.  Today was a busy day at work again - the only good thing about days like this is they go fast.  I hope Thursday goes by that fast, I am gonna be a nervous wreck that day, my poor baby is gonna have surgery! But it is for the best.  I hope Dr John is as nice as he sounds on the phone - all of his staff that I talked to sounded really nice on the phone.  Bryan was there one day to fix Dr John's truck, he said the place was very nice and clean and everyone there was super nice.  The house was a little cold when I got home, Dozer's room was nice an warm, the heater in the living room just can not keep when it is that cold.  With two heaters in the main part of the house it is not too bad.  It is 56F in the house - I got it up to 68F by the time we went to bed, it was about 66 in the morning when we got up.  so it is not too bad.  Might be too cool for some people but it feels nice to us now.  I go to someone's house who is running the heater and I roast.  Work is still cold during the day - about 66, but 66 with heat on and 66 with AC om are two different feelings.  Well I better go to sleep - it is after 10:30pm.

Day 90 - 11-29-2010 Monday - 22 weeks old

Sorry this update is so late- I had to reformat my Lappytop.  It is so much faster with a clean install of Windows 7.  I had too much crap on there.  Now it should run on my home network better as well.  My lappytop is out of warranty in 10 days and Dell is unwilling to extend it for me cause the laptop is over 5 years old now - poo!  it runs just find!  they tried to tell me it is due to the lack of spare parts.  Then I should get a Big a$$ discount one a new one!  Enough of my ranting.

Happy Monday - I called today and scheduled Dozer for his surgery - we drop him off Thursday morning at 7am.  Then my Mom and I will pick him up after I get off work.  I hope he doesn't hate me for too long.  Gizmo took about a day to get over it when I had him fixed.  I hope it will calm the little spaz down,  He is very sweet but a goof ball.  I am taking Friday off work to be home with my little guy - just tot make sure he doesn't hurt his stitches.  They are calling for a hard freeze tonight - 24F they said on the news tonight - that is freaking COLD!  I am going to leave the radiators on tomorrow when we leave so the dogs don't freeze.  I have had to get up 3 times tonight already - it is 1am and I hope I can sleep the rest of the night without a dog wanting to go outside.

Thnaksgiving week 2010

Day 85 Wednesday 11-24-2010:
    Dozer is getting so big - it makes it hard to remember that he is only 5 months old.  He is almost as big as Portia.  Can not wait for Turkey tomorrow!  I just hope I am able to maintain my weight - most people start to gain weight back during the holidays.  Today was a little busy at work, we went to a really nice restaurant called Monkey Burger - YUMMY!  I had a turkey burger and it was the best I have had in a long time!  Tonight we are going to hang out with Colt, he sounds like he needs some company.  We do not have to work tomorrow so we can party!

Day 86 Thursday 11-25-2010 Thanksgiving Day:
   Did some laundry and a little bit of cleaning around the house.  Getting ready to go to my parents for a bit then to our neighbors for a block party.  We had talked about Bring the kids, then we talked about just bringing Dozer, but I do not want him to knock someone over then get blamed for that the rest of his life.  It was a good thing I did, my grandmothers husband was there and a large jerk.  My dad had to yell at him and put him in his place.  My mom was in bed all day Wednesday and most of today.  She did make it out to have dinner, but by the time Bryan and I got home Dad was on his way to take her to the hospital.  Poor thing, I just want her to be better.

Day 87 Friday 11-26-2010
   It is so nice to have to time off to rest - I have been so tired lately.  Tonight we are going to the neighbors house behind us to partt - drinking some eggnog and rum and play the game taboo.  Sounds like a bunch of fun - she gets off work at 10pm so we will wonder over there at 11pm.  Bryan and I both took a nap to make sure we were up for staying up the late too many nights in a row.  We lasted till 2am - then it was time for bed.

Day 88 Saturday 11-27-2010
    Mom gets to come home from the hospital today!  They still have no idea what was wrong with her, like normal.  I forgot to call the vet this past week - so Monday first thing I am going to call and schedule Dozer for his operation.  Dr John told Bryan to have me call him directly so I hope we get a discount.  That would be very nice this close to the holidays.  Tonight we thought about going back over to our neighbors for somemore eggnog, but I thin 11pm is a little too late - last night was fun but I was very tired.  Bryan and I were in bed like really early, and it felt nice.

Day 89 Sunday 11-28-2010
    Today we are taking our Neighbor Rich and My Dad out to do some 4 wheel driving and some target practice.  I love spending time with my dad and he needs a break from all the stress of the week.  He seemed to have a good time.  Rich is a lot of fin to hang out with too, he is our British friend. Today I just want to rest and go to bed early - it is back to work tomorrow.  We watched Death at a Funeral - very funny movie!  Dozer is itching again - I hope it is just the weather change, it made my skin get all dry and itchy too so I hope that is just the issue he is having.  I wonder if they make like a lotion for dogs to help their dry dkin.  I have some itch spray but it only helps to a point.

Day 85 - 11-24-2010 Tuesday

I hope my paycheck goes in the bank tomorrow - last payday was by a holiday and we didn't get paid till Saturday.  Just two more days - today and tomorrow, then it is a four day weekend Baby!  I hope the kids enjoy the next few days we are home with them.  Dozer will not have to go in his Kennel for that long.  Just here and there if we need to leave the house.  Not sure if we are going to bring them to my parents or not for Thanksgiving.  Bryan and I never relax while they are there.  Giz and Portia I don't have to worry about that much - but Dozer is still in the get into everything stage.  Plus my Great Grandmother is living at my parents and thats all I need to to have a 5 month old Boxer pup take Grandma down.  She really doesn't leave her room that much anymore so she might not even be out for him to get to.  My sister might try to bring her pets over - and if she brings the cat, I will not be responsible if Portia eats it.  So I may just leave the kids at home.  I need to weigh Dozer this week to see how much he has grown - I feel like everyday I get home he is bigger and bigger.  He is still my big baby that loves to sit in my lap and be held, I love that.  all Boxers seem to be big babies, and that is how I like them.  Big cuddle bugs! 

Day 84 - 11-22-2010 - Monday - 21 weeks

It is getting colder and colder here in the desert, we are going to be in the low 60's to high 50's this Holiday week.  Burrrrr!   I am not a big fan of the cold, it makes me hurt.  Bryan gets to see Dr John today to talk to him about Dozer, and work on his truck.  I hope Dr John is able to give us some answers on Dozer's sight.  I really hope he doesn't lost it, I will still love him all the same, but an 80+ pound blind boxer might take ya out cause he doesn't know you are there.  But we will adapt and lear to live with it, he is my baby boy, I love him not matter what.  Well after Bryan talked to Dr John it sounds like vision issues are a know issue with Boxers.  But it is usually inherited, as far as we know Bo doesn't have any issues.  They did have a lot of problems with this littler, I mean they lost 7 puppies!  I looked at a picture I have of Carbear and he has the same blue look to his eyes in pictures as Dozer does, they said to look for a blue or cloudy look to their eyes, Dozer does have a bit of blue glint to his eyes in the right light or when you take his picture.  After Dr John see's Dozer and gives us the news I will let the breeder know she so can tell the other parents to have their dogs checked.  Surgery is pointless because it will just come back.  So as long as he is a healthy happy boy - I don't plan on making him go through a surgery he doesn't need. Bryan said to call their office and ask for Dr John. to set up an appointment to have Dozer fixed, his rabies shot and have his eyes looked at.  I will have to do that for a Thursday and then ust take Friday off to be home with him.  Well it is time to go to bed - night!

Weekend Days 81 Friday, 82 Saturday & 83 Sunday

Friday:
   This weekend is going to be a busy one.  I have nails with my mom on Saturday and then going out with the neighbors to do some four wheeling - that should be fun.  Bryan gets to pic up the Truck today, I am so happy to have it back.  I should also have internet at home again after Sunday, our neighbor hat we are taking out four wheeling on Sunday is going to set us all up.  I can not wait to have internet again, I have missed it so.

Saturday:
   Up at 6:15am so I can get ready to leave the house early with mom.  We are having Breakfast with my Dad before he has to head back to the gun show to work security, then off to get our nails done then grocery shopping.  Michelle was late to our nail appointment because she got caught up in the Tour De Tucson bike run.  she was about 20mins late, but made up the time so that she was only about 5 mins late with the lady after me.  My mom only needed a fill, I had to get a new set.  But now they are a pretty red and all set for the start of the holidays.  Bryan and I are worried about Dozer's vision, he seems to have an issue with distance and seeing items that are not too far away.  He also looks a little crossed eyed sometimes.  One of our neighbors asked if he was after meeting Dozer for the first time, I told him no, but after watching Dozer for a while and looking at his eyes a bit my poor baby might have a vision issue.

Sunday:
   We took a little bit of an early start out on our four wheeling adventure because it was supposed to rain and be very cold today, but the weather held out for us and was rather warm.  We took a break from the trail and did some target practice, then took the trails back home.  It was a very nice time with our neighbors, they are a sweet couple from England.  After we got back we had some ice tea with them and sat around and talked for a bit before we went back home and watched Iron man2 and Bo Burnham's words words words DVD - http://boburnham.com/ - to Bryan and I he is VERY VERY funny, but others might not find him so.  Iron Man2 was AWESOME!  very good movie.  Got the internet all set up with the help of Rich, my British IT ninja and took some goof off time on the web.  It is nice to have it again at home.  Well this week is only a three day week - might try to Get Dozer fixed on Wednesday, we shall see how that goes.  Bryan is meeting with Dr John tomorrow to work on his truck, I ask him to see when we can bring him and and how much it is.  now we also need to have him check his vision.  My poor boy!  I just hope it is not Corneal Dystrophy*.

*Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophies are inherited diseases of the cornea that occur in both eyes and are not related to inflammation. In most cases, corneal dystrophy appears as a round or oval grayish-white opacity in the substance of the cornea. In some cases, these opacities may grow bigger; in other cases, they remain the same size.
Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this eye problem. Surgical removal of the dystropy may temporarily improve vision, but the opacity will eventually re-form.
The cornea   is the eye's outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. A corneal dystrophy is a condition in which one or more parts of the cornea lose their normal clarity due to a buildup of cloudy material. The disease is inherited, it affects the right and left eyes equally, and is not caused by outside factors, such as injury or diet.

Day 80 - 11-18-2010 Thursday

Not a lot happened today - I did take a bunch of pictures again, Dozer and I might start talking longer walks on the weekends.  He really seems to like his walks, like he is almost sad when we get back to the house and he has to take the harness off.  I think the weather is going to be nice this weekend, we might go out on Sunday to enjoy the nice weather Southern Arizona has in the winter time.  Well I am going to try to go to bed early tonight.

Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving

Dogs Don't Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving

Must read - this is too funny!

Day 79 - 11-17-2010 Wednesday

Today was very hard to put Dozer in his kennel, he is very good at breaking my heart.  I wish I could trust him , but he is not even a year old yet.  Portia was 4 years old be fore she was trusted.  Plus when the two of them get together they can chew on some stuff.  Thank goodness it has been just toys so far, but I really like my furniture and do not want to have it chewed.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I am excited about this year.  I am not sure why, but I just am.  I hope that one person will not be there, he is a very grumpy not so nice member of our family.  I hope that very soon he will no longer be a member of our family, we will all be happier without him.  He is a mean drunk and my Family member who is married to him deserves better.  So - on to happier thing, I hope everyone is ready for Christmas, that is right around the corner as well. I have a few items, wish I had more to go under the tree.  Well Bryan and I are not sure if we are going to set it up this year or not.  Dozer might want to play with the tree.  I might just put it up at first with out anything on it.  Slowly add things to it, see if he even cares.  oh - side note - to any of my readers who have had Boxers before...do they all have bad farts or what?  I mean Dozer's are out of control sometimes.  I hope it is the puppy food and as an adult they will get better.  I know boxers are known farters, but come on!  I have some pills to give him as an adult dog to help with the farts, so we shall see if that helps.  I have been told by other Boxer families that they all fart, its a boxer thing.  Must be the short face, makes them swallow more air when they eat.  I am very close to having internet at home again, I can not wait.  Then my updates will be put in the niht before, not the following morning.  That way my early readers will not have to keep checking for updates.  I want  to thank all of my readers, hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Day 78 11-16-2010 Tuesday

that is Dozers paw in my hand!

Today is picture day - I have not posted that many pics in a while so here we go - not much happened today so I though I would just update with a lot of pictures.

Day 77 11-15-2010 Monday - 30lbs - 20 weeks - 5 months

Dozer is the cutest thing in the mornings - he plays and gets all cuddly - he does everything he can not to go to his Kennel.  My allergies are bad today.  I just hope I do not get sick again.  I got Dozer on the scale and his is 30lbs!  he is getting big, I think he just had another growth spurt, he seems taller.  He is still a bit skinny, need to work on trying to get a little more meat on him.  I have been told that he is healthy and that is just how puppies like him are.  he just burns it all off.  The truck is still at ford so we still have the rental F150.  I miss my truck, we can not tow so no vacation for us and we can not take the dogs anywhere.  Enterprise told us no dogs in the truck.  : (   I lo ve taking them to my parents and we want to make Sure Dozer gets socialized as much as we can as a pup.  I want to be able to take him every where.  I hope we hear something from them this week on what the progress has been, if any.  Rick is on his honeymoon this week in Vegas so my Dad is going to pick me up all week.  It is nice to be able to spend time with him.  My mom and I get to go do our girly stuff this weekend: get our nails done and go shopping.  I want to get a lot of fish this weekend, I have been on a fish kick lately.  Bryan will not eat it so I have to just cook it for me.  Dozer is being a playful little guy tonight and throwing his ball all over the living room.  That might have to become an outside toy - I would hate to watch that ball go through my TV.  I might have to get a new TV before I really want to.  Might get my Dad's when he is ready to upgrade and give my big screen to crystal, it is on its last few year anyways.  just trying to make it last as long as I can.  My mom and a co-worker have been giving me news paper for Dozer, I am very thankful.  That way his kennel stays clean and he stays warm.  The only bad thing is cleaning out the wet news paper and Dozer smells like news paper most of the time.  I have bath wipes for him so I just wipe him down and then spray on his itch stuff.  It seems to be helping him.  Well my Friends, it is time for bed.  Night!

Day 74 - 11-12-2010-Friday - Day 75 - 11-13-2010-Saturday - Day 76 - 11-14-2010-Sunday

Friday:
   It is cold in the house in the mornings - Dozer seems to love it, thank goodness.  This weekend he is getting his nails clipped and his teeth brushed.  the itching seems to be a lot less now with the other flavor of food.  I still have to spray him once a day to help out - I think it might be a little bit to do with the weather and him losing his puppy coat.  Very sad about that.  His little face is still  very soft - very happy about that.  I have now lost 24lbs!  I am so happy this weight loss thing seems to be working.  After a long day at work it was nice to sit down with the furry kids and watch some TV.  Tomorrow night we have a party to go to, one of the neighbors birthdays is this weekend.  off to Bed early for us tonight.

Saturday:
   The kids let me sleep in till almost 7:30am, they love me so.  I made breakfast then started to clean the house.  Bryan helped me vacuum and then I steam cleaned the carpet.    After that he left the house for a bit to go get some primer for his car and I cleaned up the kitchen and played with the dogs.  Our buddy Colt came over to get some help with his spark plugs and then he walked down to the party with us.  Good food, good drinks and lots of fun.  I was a good girl and only had one bowl of chili and two helpings of salad.  I did have a little bit of bread.  everyone asked me where Dozer was, and said I should have brought him.  But Teresa's dog Charlie doesn't like other dogs and it is house, so Dozer stayed home.  By the time I got home (almost 11pm) it was cold in the house, we didn't turn the heater on.  So I moved the heart to the bed room and turned it all the way up.  Portia and Giz dove under the cover, but Dozer just wanted to snuggle.  That was fine with me cause he gives out a lot of body heat.

Sunday:
   Woke up at about 8:30 and took all the dogs out.  Made breakfast and clean up the kitchen a bit more.  I also did some baking.  I have to run my parent's Rodeo back to them today, Bryan has a migraine so he is just staying in bed.  After I got back from my parent's house Bryan and I had to bring the hope chest I got from them in the house.  It fits at the end of the bed perfectly.  Bryan worked on his car a little bit when he felt up to it, then we watched a movie.  The Back Up Plan with Jennifer Lopez - Very good movie.  Bryan watched a little bit of drag racing before Desperate Housewives came on, then we went to bed.  Exciting I know!  well it is time for the news, after it I am going to bed, Night all.

Day 73 - 11-11-2010 Thursday

Iv get to drive myself to work today - Woohoo!  I am going to miss the rides with the hubby though.  It is a little extra time each day that we get to spend together that is just him and I.  It seems that the cooler temps do not effect little Dozer, he almost seems to like it.  The other two on the other hand, would like to go back to July I am sure.  I am going to stop by Fry's on my way home to get a few things, like some more Turkey burgers for Bryan, some buns, pickles and what ever else we are short on.  I get to work a little early - very nice change to the few minutes late I have been for last few weeks.  With it being darker in the mornings we find it harder and harder to get up on time.  Plus the dogs are cuddly and our bed is nice and warm.  This weekend I am planning on cleaning the house - vacuum and steam clean - finish going through all my clothes to have Mom and My sister Crystal go through them.  That way I can make room for clothes that fit.  everything is either WAY too small or now too big.  Going down 24lbs makes a big difference in your wardrobe.  Maybe one day soon I will be able to use my office again, that would be nice.  It is kinda cold in that back room.  Seems colder in that room than in Dozer's room.  I might have to Move him into the living room or our room to stay warmer.  We shall just have to see how this winder goes.  That room is going to be Baby Girls room when she get our Daughter, so it better be warm.  At Fry's I ran into Tonya - our friend who we got Dozer from.  She was happy to get an update on Dozer and it was nice to get and update on them and Dozer's dog mom and dad.  Got home and made turkey burgers, very yummy!  Then off to bed early after watching Grey's Anatomy, I was woken up when Bryan came in from his shop, I heated up some food for him, watched the weather then it was off to sleep again.  Night everyone!

Day 72 - 11-10-2010 Wednesday 29.5lbs

I have to go to the dentist today for two fillings, sooo not looking forward to this.  I have a really nice dentist, but still - I HATE NEEDLES!  The dental implant that i had done year ago wiggles a little bit.  I am going to have Dr Wheeler take a look at it.  I am worried that it might be the bone graft that they had to do to reconstruct that part of my jaw.  Lets keep our fingers crossed that it is just an easy fix.  My co-worker Rick is going to be out for a week and a half to get married, so Thursday and Friday I get to drive my parents car to work.  I can not wait for the mustang to get done then I can have my truck back.  Dozer seems to be ok with the cooler weather, I was a little worried about him getting cold.  With the towel over the kennel he seems to be able to keep all his body heat in the kennel.  that room gets the after noon sun so he should get some warmth in there.  We turned the fan off in there, I like the air to circulate but don't want him to get cold.  Dr Wheeler said he wants me to come back to fix the crown, he is afraid it might come off.  I have it scheduled for Dec right now.  My jaw hurts bad after the fillings, I want to go home and take some pain meds and go to sleep.  I have TMJ (TMJ disorders cause tenderness and pain in the temporomandibular joint)and it is not fun.  Dozer is now 29.5lbs!  my little boy is getting so big! I made myself fish for dinner and made Bryan some Kielbasa, he loves that.  I got the turkey one so it is healthier, he wants turkey burgers again so I will have to buy some more.  I have lost 23lbs so far on my weight loss program, I have 33 more to go.  I wish I was dropping the weight as fast as Dozer was putting his on, that would be nice.  but losing it slowly is better for me, so I will just be happy with what I have done so far.  well peeps, I am going to go to bed and rest my jaw, I hope I am not in so much pain tomorrow.
  TMJ disorders

Day 71 - 11-9-2010 Tuesday

Today is supposed to be a very cool day, I hope the dogs stay nice and warm under their blankets.  Dozer is not effected by the cold so far, he doesn't like to be under the blankets.  But he does like to cuddle, a lot!  When I got home a just after 5pm it was already pretty cool outside.  In Dozer's kennel it felt pretty warm, I have a blanket over the door to keep light out and to help keep his body heat in.  I think he will be fine, might have to move him to a different room.  Not sure how cold that back room gets during the winter time.  Thank goodness we live in Southern Arizona, it doesn't get that cold here during the winter.  I am making turkey burgers for dinner tonight and have been excited about them all day.  I cooked them up and then made mine, I put pickles and spicy mustard on it...but I cut it in half and put half in the fridge for tomorrow.  That way I can't over eat and go over my points for the day.  I need to trim up Dozer's nails tomorrow and weigh him.  I got to see pictures of his little brother Carbear, his heart on his chest got much bigger.  He is cute and little, I am happy that we got the big boy, to me Dozer is cuter than Carebear.  My mom said the same thing.  Well I have the radiator heater going in the bed room, I had it in the living room for a while, but the bed room needs to be warmed up before we go to bed.  Not too much cause then I can't sleep.

Day 70 - 11-8-2010 Monday - 19 weeks

Bryan and I slept in a bit, I was about 30mins late to work.  I will make it up later in the week.  I al going to take an hour off on Wednesday for a Dental appointment and Tuesday Morning we are Taking the truck to Ford to get some work done.  I wonder what kind of a rental car we are going to get.  My co-worker Rick is going to be out for like a week and a half, he is getting married and going on his honeymoon.  So I will have to be picked up or drive myself during that time.  I think my parents have Tuesday and Friday off so I can take their car for those days.  Dozer still shakes and breaks my heart every morning when I put him in his kennel.  poor baby, but it is part of life that he has to learn to deal with.  Portia and Gizmo were kennel trained too.  One day he might prove that he can be trusted in the house, Portia was about 4 years old and she proved it.  Well since my head still hurts and it is late I am going to call it a night.

Day 67 11-5-2010 Friday Day 68 11-6-2010 Saturday Day 69 11-7-2010 Sunday

Friday:  Still very sleepy, but in a good mood and keeping my head up.  Dozer is really not liking this lamb food, I feel so bad for him, I had no idea that it would not be good for him.  I am going tomorrow to get the large breed puppy chicken food for him.  I need to get more news paper for him, I have asked some pople at work, but no one seems to remember, My mom has been giving me some almost every week, and I used the junk mail that we get to last me till Mom gives me the next batch.  the only bad thing about the news paper is that Dozers elbows get dark gray from the ink.  I am planning on getting some bath wipes tomorrow too.  Went to bed early because I was not feeling well.  stupid migraine is still there.

Saturday:   Woke up early to get ready to go out with me mom.  We are going to breakfast, get our nails done, go to Savers and then Pets mart.  We were planning on going to Fry's but my head hurt so bad and we spent a little more time in Savers that we had planned to.  But I got some really nice clothes for work.  Mom let me take one of the pairs of pants to wear now and the rest if for Xmas.  I have so so much weight so far that it was time for some new non-fat clothes.  I am tired of wearing the same thing day after day.  I can almost fit into 1 pair of pants from two years ago, I still have a bunch of my work pants saved, I will get back into them.  I got the large breed puppy food and gave Dozer a bowl as soon as I got home.  I didn't give him breakfast like normal cause I didn't want to give him more of the lamb food then I had already.  He took a few bites, then walked away.  It took him about 20 seconds to realize that is wasn't the other dog food, he ran back to his bowl and ate it all.  So he really didn't like the other food.  So sorry Baby D, I will not do that again.  I went to bed at about 8:30pm, because at that time the meds I took for my head had kicked in and I needed to go to bed before I passed out.  Bryan was out late, our neighbors were out talking and laughing so Bryan and John joined them.  I was in no way shape to go party so I just stayed in bed.

Sunday:  Mom came and picked me up so we could go to the store since we didn't get to go yesterday.  When we get back Bryan and my Dad get to go out 4wheel driving, and maybe some target practice.  The guys like their bonding time together and I love that they get along so well.  Bryan Doesn't have his family and my Dad didn't have any sons, so it works out for the both of them.  Dozer was still a bit itchy so I wiped him down with the puppy bath wipes I got.  Boxers are not supposed to be washed that often so I got the bath wipes wot help keep him clean with out giving him a bath.  I sprayed him down the the anti itch stuff I got at pesmart and it seemed to help.  I hope he gets over it soon, I hate to see him uncomfortable.  Well off to bed I go to get up in time to go to work.

Day 66 11-4-2010 Thursday

Bryan and I were lat for work today - we were both up till 4am - I didn't feel well (migraine) and he was restless, we both call our boss' and told them we were running late, I was only ablt to sleep till bout 7:45am, guess that is all the sleep my body needed.  Bryan said he felt fine when we left the house, but by the time we go to my work, he was a hurting puppy.  He wanted to go back home, I told him he should be he went to work anyways, tired!  So at 3pm I get a phone call that he was going home sick, he sounded like he might have gotten my cold, poor guy.  When I got home at about 5pm he was in bed, and poor Dozer was sill in his kennel.  Bryan said he had a migraine.  He doesn't get them hardly at all so he is unprepared on how to deal with them.  I have had them since I was about 4 years old and about 3-4 a month.  So I felt for him and gave him some meds for his head and took Dozer for his walk.  Dozer has been itching like crazy so I gave him some Benadryl to see if it would help him out.  Sure as hell didn't make him sleepy, no way.  He played right on till bed time like normal.  didn't itch as much, I am still thinking it is the food.  I need to go back to the chicken puppy food. What makes Nature's Recipe® dog food special?  It is the best dog food, I just need to make sure I don't get Dozer anything with Lamb in it.

Day 65 - 11-3-10 Wednesday - 28lbs

I love this time of year - hot during the day, and cold and windy at night.  I could do without the wind, it is not helping me feel any better.  My right ear still is somewhat plugged, I can't fully hear out of it yet.  The last time I got a bad cold, that ear did the same thing.  I remember as a kid that side of my head always hurting. Dozer is 28lbs - growing very nicely.  Gizmo is still being a grump, I don't know what I can do to help him get over it.  Dozer is going to be 70-80lbs one day and I had hoped they would be good friends before then.  Well my hea hurts and it is very late, I can not sleep.  I know it is after midnight, good night everyone!

The Secret Language of Dogs

Communicating With Your Pet

Have you ever wished your dog could talk could talk to you? Well, he does; just not with words. Research shows that dogs have their own way of communicating with their owners, as well as with other dogs.

Dog Body Language

Any dog owner will tell you that their four-legged family members speak volumes with their bodies. Here are some typical signals dogs use:

• Face: Dogs will wrinkle or straighten their foreheads to show confusion or determination.
• Eyes: A dog’s eyes brighten when he looks at a creature he considers friendly. When he is afraid, his pupils dilate and he shows the whites of his eyes.
• Lips, teeth and tongue: If your dog is happy or wants to play, he may pull his lips back and show his teeth in what appears to be a smile. This is a gesture that is reserved only for human/dog communication; a dog will not do this with other dogs.
• Ears: If a dog’s ears are raised, he is relaxed or listening. If they are back, he might be signaling submission.
• Tail: A recent study published in “Current Biology” shows that the way a dog wags its tail indicates how he feels. If the tail wags more to the right, it is a sign of positive feelings; left-side wagging indicates negative feelings.

Just like their human owners, dogs like to talk. However, unlike body signals, barking can represent different things to different dogs.

How Dogs Talk to Each Other

Dogs are social animals, and there is universal language they share when communicating with other dogs, according to Marc Bekoff, a biologist and author of “Animal Passions and Beastly Virtues.”

• Play bow: This means let’s play. However, it can also be a sign of apology; it’s a dog’s way of saying, “Oops. I didn’t mean to play so rough. Let’s keep playing!”
• Paw slap: This is like a human coming up and slapping you on the back. This gesture puts the dog at an awkward angle, so it’s also a sign that the dog trusts the dog it is playing with.
• Rearing hind legs: When dogs rear up on their hind legs, it’s a sign of affection. It often looks like dancing when dogs do this together when they’re playing.
• Biting: Again, it’s a sign of play. Dogs are careful to avoid sensitive areas on the other animal.

Barking Dogs

Just like their human owners, dogs like to talk. However, unlike body signals, barking can represent different things to different dogs. The pitch or volume of the bark will increase with the dog’s level of emotion.
And it could be that artificial intelligence is better at distinguishing dog barks than humans are. Hungarian researches recently tested 6,000 different barks from 14 Hungarian sheepdogs using special software. Their study showed that the computer program correctly identified what the dog was trying to communicate 43 percent of the time, compared with 40 percent for humans.

Understanding Each Other

We send our dogs to obedience school to teach them how to understand what we want from them. But they also need to tell us what they need from us, and they do so every day. We simply have to open our eyes, ears and hearts to understand what they are trying to say.

If you liked this story, you may also like to read Why Dogs do Strange Things or Socializing Cats and Dogs.

Day 64 - 11-2-2010 Tuesday

Dozer cuddles with me when we first go to bed and in the mornings before we all get up out of bed, but during the night he is very much a Daddy cuddlier.  Bryan said he sleeps next to him all night long, no matter where Bryan moves Dozer is sure to follow him.  When I got home today one of our other neighbors was over visiting our neighbor John, Tony had not seen Dozer yet.  So when I walked Dozer over there Tony was amazed by how well behaved Dozer was.  He sat when I told him to and was somewhat chill.  He still jumped up to give Tony kisses but he was stilll a very good boy about it.  I have worked with Dozer every day to make sure I have a well behaved Boxer.  They can get out of hand if you are not careful with training, and do the training early.  I am sure now more than ever that Bryan and I will have Boxers from now on.  The next one we get will be a female though.  I want a little female Boxer with lots of "flash" on her.  That's what they call the white spots of color on a boxer.Laila had a lot of "flash" on her, she would have been such a pretty little female Boxer, we are going to name the next one Laila in her memory.  Well I need to go to bed to get some rest.  I still have this darn cold.

Day 63 - 11-1-2010 Monday 18 weeks old

I have to make an appointment this month for Little Dozer Joe to get fixed.  Dozer Joe is what Bryan has started to call him.  he needed a middle name - I am not sure if Joe works or not, but it sounds cute.  Portia's is Rae and Gizmo doesn't have one.  we call him Giz normally so when we say Gozmo he knows he is in trouble.  I had to change Dozer over to the Lamb puppy food of Nature's Recipe because that is all the pets mart had that I went to, I thinbk we might have to change Dozer back to the chicken puppy food cause he has been itching a lot and I remember someone telling me Boxers get food allergies easily.  I gave him an oatmeal bath last night to ry and easy the itching, I will get his normal food this weekend and maybe some anti-itch stuff.  poor little guy.  no more lamb for him!  I hope that is it and he isn't getting a reaction to something else.  Portia would get it from time to time but it was from her being in the kennel.  he has not had an issue till the food flavor was changed.  they also have a grain free line from Nature's Recipe - I might need to switch him to that if the chicken doesn't work.  Well after a bath and a quick play time, it was off to bed.  I still have a cold and it is taking a lot out of me.  oh yeah on on top of the cold, I have a migraine.  wonderful - Good night!

Day 58 -- 62 - 10-27-2010 Wednesday -- 10-31-2010 Sunday

Wednesday: I am feeling worse and worse and this cold is kicking my butt.  I am here today to help finish up some work, but not sure if I am going to make it in tomorrow.  I feel like I could fall asleep at any minute. 

Thursday: I stayed home from work today, not really planning on getting out of bed either.  Dozer is being a very good cuddle bug!  Day time TV is horrible!  thank/ goodness I have some DVD's to watch.  I re-watched the Ghost and the Darkness, that is about the scariest movie I will watch for Halloween.  I don't do scary movies like most of my friends do.

Friday: Again I am home sick, and very sad cause tonight is test and tune at SIR and I am surely going to miss it.  Dozer again is being a good cuddle buddy.  he keeps me warm and doesn't let me just sleep the day away cause he wants to go outside all the time.  Bryan gets home and for sure he is going to the track and I get to stay home.  It is for the best, that way I can go out tomorrow.

Saturday: We woke up kinda early so we could work on the trailer a bit to make sure we have everything we need for the few hrs that we will be at the track.  I got food and toys ready for Dozer, well he took the toys and I didn't know it so when we go to the track he didn't have any toys.  I felt bad.  Rozzy who is Chirs' dog, didn't want to share her toy with Dozer.  She doesn't know how to play.  She has never had another dog to play with and she doesn't really play with humans either.  Dozer wants to play with everyone and everything.  Dozer did well, we go there at about noon and he took his first nap at 2pm, then 3:30, then 5pm and at 8pm he was done.  he wated to stay in the trailer and sleep.  we left by about 9pm and he slept the whole way home.

Sunday: Dozer let me sleep in this morning, that was nice.  I am still sick, last night with the wind and cold didn't help either I am sure.  But I had to go, it is part of what Bryan and I do.  Plus we want to get Dozer used to the trailer.  He will not go into it using the steps on the side.  but he will go down the steps.  We just need to work on that with him.  next time we go to the dunes we want to take him with us.